All Lanes of I-65 Now Open Following Semi Crash in Hart County

All lanes of I-65 have been reopened following the Tuesday morning crash in Hart County involving a semi.

Updated 12:45pm:

Transportation and law enforcement officials have collectively decided to expedite cleanup from this morning’s semi crash at Mile Point 74.5 on Interstate 65 in Hart County by concentrating cleanup efforts on the northbound driving lanes and coming back after the Thanksgiving Weekend to cleanup the semi trailer and cargo.

With wet pavement and spilled diesel, the main focus at this time is removing the tractor portion of the semi and making sure the roadway is cleaned properly. Threatening winter weather conditions also contributed to the decision.

After the emergency phase of the cleanup is complete, the southbound (left) shoulder will be closed and a caution tape perimeter will be placed around the semi trailer. These measures will remain in place until cleanup resumes on Monday, December 2nd. Message boards will be activated near the crash site to alert motorists of the cleanup area.

Currently, traffic is backed up approximately 6 miles southbound and 8 miles northbound. One lane of northbound traffic is utilizing the right shoulder, as cleanup permits, to get around crash debris. The left southbound lane remains closed.

Clearing of the driving lanes is still expected to take around 2 hours. Kentucky State Police vehicles have activated their blue lights and are backing up with traffic queues in order to reduce the likelihood of secondary crashes.

US 31W through Munfordville, Bonnieville and Upton is extremely congested. Motorists should use additional caution at US 31W intersections to reduce the risk of crashes.

Update at 10:15 am:

Here is the latest from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet:

One lane is now open each direction on I-65. The crash site is actually on the Hart County side of the line.

The semi was southbound and crashed into the barrier wall on the northbound side. Cargo includes canned food products. There is a lot of debris to remove.

Crews are making efforts to reduce impacts to traffic, considering the heavy volume and weather conditions.

Total cleanup will take 4+ hours.

At this time, traffic is backed up approximately 3 miles each direction.

US 31-W between Munfordville (Exit 65) and Upton (Exit 76) is very congested.

Interstate 65 Northbound is closed near Mile Point 75 due to a semi crash. One southbound lane is blocked, as well.

The scene is estimated to take until 2 pm central to clear. Updates will be sent as time estimates to get a lane open are solidified.

Traffic volume on the interstate is heavy. Northbound motorists traveling through between Bowling Green and Elizabethtown are urged to use the William Natcher Parkway north to the Western Kentucky Parkway east and rejoin I-65 in Elizabethtown.

Traffic along the US 31-W corridor is also heavy. Local traffic is urged to use additional caution at intersecting roads and may wish to avoid congestion along US 31-W.